Swollen knuckle and numb index finger

agatesw23

Hi,
I'm 25 and my mother, my nan on my mother's side and my nan on my dad's side have all been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I've been to the doctors and they have sent me for 2 blood tests as my 1st one came back with slightly raised crp levels. Past few weeks I have been suffering with a swollen knuckle on my left hand and my right hand my index finger keeps going numb. Every now and then my shoulder will be unmovable and my ankle gets swollen. Is this one of the many signs of arthritis?

Wendy

helpline_team

Dear Wendy

Thank you for your posting.

I’m sorry to hear about the difficulties you are currently experiencing.

The swelling that you are describing may well be a symptom of arthritis. For more information on this see our booklet ‘Understanding arthritis’ at http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/PublicationsandResources/Listedbytype/Booklets and there is useful information in our ‘Coping with pain’ booklet as well.

For more information on the different tests for arthritis and their meanings see http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis_information/arthritis_today_magazine/spring_2005/testing_testing.aspx.

I hope this helps.

You are welcome to ring our helplines on 0808 800 4050 if you would like to have a chat, or want more information.

Regards

Nick

Helplines Team